THE career of a promising young professional footballer was left in tatters after he suffered brain damage following a brawl outside a pub.

The fight, outside the Hare and Hounds in Lowton, involved two sets of brothers and left Alan Marsh with a serious brain injury.

The dispute began when Neil Crutchley allegedly attacked Stephen Marsh as he sat in a car outside the pub waiting for his brother.

When Alan left the pub, he went to his brother's aid but was allegedly dragged off by Steven Crutchley and another man.

After being punched, Marsh fell to the ground and Stephen Crutchley allegedly kicked him twice in the head.

Crutchley denied the attack, claiming Marsh had grabbed him and they had both fallen to the floor. He denied kicking Marsh.

Neil Crutchley claimed he had been attacked and only hit back in self-defence.

Steven Crutchley, aged 24, of Fordland Close, Lowton, and Neil Crutchley, aged 26, of Sudbrook Close, Lowton, appeared at Bolton Crown Court.

Steven Crutchley denied causing Alan Marsh grievous bodily harm on December 9, 1999 and, along with his brother, denied a charge of affray.

The prosecution claimed the fight developed after Stephen Marsh arrived at the pub and spoke to his former girlfriend who is now Neil Crutchley's partner.

The prosecution said Marsh has since been left with a brain injury which had ended his career as a promising professional footballer.

Proceeding